Chapter 28 — A Pact Beneath Quiet Skies
Rudravaan walked through the capital streets without pause, indifferent to the glances that followed him.
The city was alive—lanterns swayed above stone roads, merchants called out, and laughter drifted through the air. It was a realm at peace.
He observed it in silence.
So the brat has ruled well, he thought.
Behind him, far away, Zade moved through the crowded avenues, questioning every passerby.
"Have you seen a man carrying a sword?"
"Tall—dark robes—cold eyes?"
No one could give him an answer.
Henry walked at his side, watching the flow of people.
"This is useless," he said quietly. "If he truly went ahead… then he would go straight to the palace."
Zade halted.
"…You are right."
On the other side of the city, Rudravaan reached the outer gates of the imperial palace.
Guards stepped forward at once, spears crossing before him.
"Halt. State your name and purpose."
Rudravaan regarded them calmly.
"I have come to see your emperor. Is there an issue?"
"You may not enter without summons," the captain replied.
Rudravaan's gaze shifted slightly.
"Is that so?"
In the next breath, he stepped forward—and vaulted over the palace wall in a single fluid motion.
Alarms rang out.
Steel scraped from its sheath as the guards shouted in alarm.
Rudravaan sighed.
"…This will be troublesome."
Soldiers rushed in from every direction, surrounding him in a tightening circle.
Before a single blade could strike—
"Enough."
The word cut through the air like a command from heaven.
Every soldier froze.
A path opened.
From within it stepped a young man clad in imperial robes.
Lukas.
He approached Rudravaan, his gaze steady.
"It seems," Lukas said lightly, "that you still cannot make a proper entrance."
Rudravaan studied him.
"Look at you," he replied calmly. "A few short years, and you already speak like this."
Lukas's lips curved faintly.
"You have not changed at all," he said.
"Come. Let us speak."
And with that, the two emperors stood face to face at the heart of the palace.
Lukas led the way through the inner corridors of the palace, his steps unhurried. Tall pillars of white stone lined the halls, their surfaces carved with the long history of Southeastblade. Guards withdrew in silence as the two passed, sensing that this meeting was not meant for their ears.
Rudravaan walked behind him, his gaze drifting over the halls.
"You have kept this place well," he said quietly. "I would not have thought you capable of ruling a realm with such order."
Lukas allowed himself a faint smile.
"I was not alone," he replied. "I have people I can trust."
"So do I," Rudravaan said. "That is why I can stand here now."
Lukas glanced at him as they walked.
"Morvyn, then," he said. "How is he doing ?"
"He remains," Rudravaan replied. "As he always has."
They stepped out into a quiet garden, where a single wooden bench rested beneath an ancient tree. Lukas gestured for Rudravaan to sit.
But before he did, Lukas stopped.
"There is something I have long wished to ask you," he said. His tone was calm, yet beneath it lay something sharp.
"I know your strength better than anyone. So tell me—how did you fall?"
Rudravaan's eyes darkened as he took his seat.
"Fall is not the word," he said quietly.
He looked toward the branches overhead.
"I was not defeated," he said. "I was betrayed."
Silence settled between them.
Then Rudravaan turned his gaze back to Lukas.
"But enough of old scars. I did not come here to speak of the past."
Lukas inclined his head slightly.
"Then speak."
Rudravaan's voice was steady.
"I am here to make an alliance."
Lukas studied him, unreadable.
"With you," Rudravaan continued. "And with Southeastblade."
For a moment, Lukas said nothing. Then a slow smile curved his lips.
"Knowing you," he replied, "if war were to come, it would be far wiser to stand at your side than in your path."
He rose and extended his hand.
Rudravaan stood as well and clasped it.
A pact was sealed—
Quietly.
Firmly.
Before the moment could settle, voices rose beyond the palace halls.
Angry words echoed from the outer gates.
A heated argument.
Guards shouting back in protest.
Lukas turned his head slightly.
"Someone is causing trouble at the gate."